[grc] Some thoughts about the GRC Conference

[al davis]

On Sun, 20 Dec 2015 11:02:29 -0500
"Danny" <danny at wspj.org> wrote:
> But I was horribly
> disappointed the last GRC wasn't held in Detroit when it appeared the LPFM
> there wanted to host it.  Detroit would be an awesome GRC location for a
> whole host of reasons.

The group in Detroit wasn't ready to host it this year. 

There were several groups that talked about hosting it in 2015, but
after a reality check couldn't do it.  WLPP-LP in Palenville stepped in
to host it on short notice realizing that the alternative would have
been no conference in 2015.

I agree with you that Detroit would be an awesome GRC location.

Regarding Michi's:
> For example, I would not attend a GRC in certain high-crime areas such 
> as Detroit.  I will also be less likely to attend a conference in the deep
> south or in Texas outside of the Austin or Dallas area.   I am personally
> economically boycotting the Houston area due to the outcome of the 
> HERO vote.

We preach diversity.  We call out prejudice we see.  We need to be
careful not to fall into our own prejudices.  Some of those places that
might seem objectionable are among the most in need of real community
radio, and the most enlightening if the conference could be held there.

For some, it might be a place that "bears no resemblance to our own
community", for others it might be exactly what you want, just like "our own community".

That said .. where has GRC not been?  where has GRC not been recently?
If we have a choice, that's where I think it should be.

As of now, several groups have talked about hosting GRC 2016, but we
don't have a commitment from anyone.

Inner city, deep south, anywhere ... let's do it.